Hi there Reader, I hope everything is going as well as possible... Writing again with a few updates at the fringes of innovation and education. What Evolving Consumer Trends Mean for Education Middle-income consumers are feeling the squeeze of inflation but continue to splurge on discretionary items, defying traditional spending habits. Older consumers are now more likely to switch brands, while young consumers in emerging markets prefer premium products. Relevance for Higher Ed:
Key Imperatives:
For detailed insights, check out the McKinsey article. Neuralink Implant Enhances Digital Control via Brain Chip Neuralink's first implant patient, Noland Arbaugh, shared his experience, likening the tech to an "aimbot" for gaming. The brain chip, designed to restore digital control, has allowed Arbaugh to enjoy gaming with improved accuracy and faster responses, giving him a competitive edge. Although currently limited in game compatibility, Arbaugh believes future updates will expand its capabilities. Neuralink aims to improve the lives of paraplegics, showcasing potential for advanced digital interaction through thought control. My University Closed. Now What? Facing the sudden closure of your institution can be daunting. Brittany Carlson shares her personal journey of losing her tenure-track job at Iowa Wesleyan and offers practical advice:
Stay Agile, Friend Embrace these insights and stories to drive innovation and resilience within your institution. Foster AI integration, support digital advancements, and prepare for unexpected changes to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of higher education. Best, -Mike O’Connor O'Connor & Associates |
With 17 years of insider experience, I specialize in enhancing university operations and strategic planning through innovative, data-driven solutions. Receive succinct, powerful insights on using analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, increase ROI, and make informed strategic decisions. Ideal for C-suite aiming to do more with less and navigate the complexities of modern higher education.
Hi there Reader, This week’s newsletter is a bit of a special edition... More AI volatility, new market signals for campus real estate, and the latest Harvard vs. Trump legal drama. As always: fast takes, second-order insights, and resources to help you navigate Higher Ed’s next moves. 👇 Onward: AI in Flux: New Video Tools, GPT-5 Timeline, Meta’s Talent Wars The AI arms race keeps accelerating: Midjourney launched its first AI video model (V1), turning images into 5-sec clips—extensible to 21...
Hi Reader, This Week’s Big Ideas: Why Small Wins > Big Visions, Türkiye’s EdTech Pivot, and the Senate’s Higher Ed Shakeup 1. Want to Thrive in the Age of AI? Think Small. Based on: Derek Sivers’ “Round” Philosophy + Kevin Kelly’s “1000 True Fans” The future won’t reward scale for scale’s sake. “To surf above the tsunami, I suggest one human-scale win at a time.” In a higher ed world that obsesses over growth, rankings, and transformation, we might need to go the other way: Build resonance...
Hi there Reader, Here are few updates on the insides, and periphery, of the Academy.... 7 Campuses. One System. A Cautionary Tale. Penn State just approved plans to close 7 of its 24 campuses. While framed as “restructuring,” the real signal here is existential: Low enrollment, mounting deficits, and diminishing local pipelines have pushed even a land-grant flagship into retreat mode. 📉 Translation?This isn’t just a rural problem or a small-school story. The ground is shifting under everyone....